Article on Sam Sharpley

Event Information

Venue(s):

Event Type:
Minstrel

Record Information

Status:
Published

Last Updated:
8 January 2026

Performance Date(s) and Time(s)

04 Jun 1864

Program Details



Performers and/or Works Performed

1)
LIST OF PERFORMER(S)/ORGANIZATION(S)
Participants:  Samuel M. Sharpley

Citations

1)
Article: New York Clipper, 04 June 1864, 60.
Biographical sketch of Sam Sharpley, with a drawing on p. 58.  “[B]orn in Philadelphia, June 13th, 1831, and entered the burnt-cork profession when only sixteen years old.”  He has “appeared on the ‘end’ as tambo, also in the olio with one of his irresistible comic banjo solos.”  Proprietor and manager of a minstrel troupe with Billy Birch.  “While at the Melodeon [in New York] there was quite a rivalry among Broadway managers to secure Mr. Sharpley, and while he was at one establishment under contract, at $75 per week, we recollect being called upon to witness articles of agreement between him and another manager for $100 a week for three weeks.”  This was in the fall of 1862. . . . As a manager he is one of the most fortunate of the fortunates, and is respected by all who know him. . . .His banjo solos are immense, and always bring down the house.  He is a most amusing man, the wit of the company.”